Lung Nodule Screening

Low-dose CT Scan Screening

Know Your Risk

According to the Texas Cancer Registry, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in over 20 East Texas counties. In the next year, it is estimated there will be over 1,000 new lung and bronchus cancer cases in East Texas, resulting in nearly 800 deaths. But, the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLCST) demonstrates that by utilizing low-dose screening CT scans of the chest more than 200 lives could be saved.

Early Detection is the Best Protection

Screening exams detect potential abnormalities earlier, which allow for quicker treatment and improved patient outcomes. The low-dose screening CT is recommended by the NLCST for high risk individuals:

Age: 55 – 74 years
More than 30 pack/year history of smoking and quit smoking less than 15 years ago

Age: more than 50 years
More than 20 pack/year history of smoking

Plus one additional risk factor

Family history of lung cancer

History of cancer

Lung disease – COPD or pulmonary fibrosis

Occupational exposure

Radon exposure

About Low-dose Screening CT

An X-Ray machine scans the body using low doses of radiation to capture a series of detailed images of the lungs with much higher resolution than a standard chest X-Ray. Exposure to ionizing radiation carries some associated risks, so low-dose chest CT offers a radiation dose of 1.5-2mSV – approximately one-fourth that of a standard chest CT scan, and no contrast is used during the exam.

Schedule Your Screening

To schedule your low-dose screening CT, consult with your primary care provider to order the exam for you.

NOTE: Because insurance carriers do not currently cover the cost of this exam, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances offers all patients a nonrefundable cash price of $150, which includes all cost associated with the screening exam and physician fees. Payment is required at the time of service.

Before Your Screening

There is no special preparation needed for a low-dose screening CT.

Day of Your Screening

Expect your entire appointment to take approximately 30 minutes. At the time of your exam you will be assisted to complete a questionnaire, and then be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove items such as jewelry or glasses. Next, with assistance you will lie on your back on a narrow table that will slide into the center of the CT machine. The actual scan lasts less than one minute, during which you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to ensure a clear image of your lungs is captured.

Getting Your Screening Results

The images created from the scan are then sent to a radiologist for review at a later time and you will be contacted with your results within one week.